Government Deploys Emergency Housing Teams To Limpopo And Mpumalanga After Devastating Floods

The national Department of Human Settlements has sent an emergency housing team to Limpopo and Mpumalanga as widespread flooding continues to leave hundreds of families without shelter.

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has instructed the department’s emergency housing unit to work alongside provincial authorities to physically verify households affected by recent heavy rainfall. More than 1,500 households have been impacted so far, most of them in Limpopo.

In Limpopo, verification is currently taking place in four district municipalities, with the Capricorn district still to be assessed. In Mpumalanga, teams are already active in two districts, where early findings indicate that some families may need to be relocated or accommodated in temporary residential units due to ongoing flood risks.

Emergency Housing Verification Underway in Flood-Hit Districts

According to the department, the verification process will determine the most appropriate emergency housing responses, including restoration, repairs, rebuilding or relocation of affected homes.

“To expedite the verification process, Minister Simelane has directed additional capacity be deployed in both provinces. The Department of Human Settlements provides emergency housing assistance through four interventions, namely restoration, relocation, rebuilding and repairs,” said department spokesperson Tsekiso Machike.

The deployment comes as both provinces remain under a red level 10 weather warning, with persistent heavy rains increasing the likelihood of further displacement.

Death Toll Rises as Disaster Funding Is Fast-Tracked

The death toll from the Limpopo floods has risen to eleven, prompting the provincial government to fast-track its application for disaster management funding. Officials say the funding is essential to support affected communities and sustain emergency response efforts.

Large parts of Limpopo have been battered by continuous rainfall and flooding since the start of the week, with little indication that conditions will ease soon.

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President Cyril Ramaphosa visited some of the worst-affected areas, describing the situation as catastrophic. Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba said the provincial government is doing everything possible to respond to the crisis while ensuring the safety of emergency personnel.

“It is not practical to be everywhere, but we will be visiting, especially prioritising the areas that are in dire need like the Mbawula villages. We had to do that, but we will also check the safety of our teams before we deploy them,” Ramathuba said.

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